GoPro Karma (2016)

Simple to set up and fly ; Complete system in a backpack ; Good image quality ; Sturdy and well made

Short flight time ; Low transmission range ; No 'follow me' flight modes ; No obstacle detection or indoor modes

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If you're interested in drones and looking for a smart flying robot that also shoots video, it's hard to recommend Karma over Mavic. But enthusiasts who are only looking for a drone already knew that and didn't need to read this review. If you've...

Works with Hero4 and Hero5 cameras. Includes handheld grip for gimbal. Solid tutorial for beginning pilots. Remote has integrated display. Some automated flight features. Easy offline map downloads. Includes backpack.

Short 15-minute flight time. Very limited suburban operating range. GoPro camera not ideal for aerial work. Remote screen is prone to glare. Omits obstacle avoidance and follow mode.

It took a while to get off the ground, but you can go out and buy a GoPro Karma today. And while brand devotees who already own a compatible GoPro action cam may see some upsides—including the bundled Karma Grip and relatively attractive price point—I...

Portable, fold-up design ; Total stabilization package ; Tight controls

Lacks collision detection ; Not-so-autonomous auto flight modes ; Short battery life

The GoPro Karma is so much more than a drone, giving you video stabilization in the air and on the ground. However, there are better quads floating around with longer battery life and smarter brains.

Versatile ; Simple ; Portable

Underpowered ; Lacks range ; No follow mode ; No obstacle avoidance

What went down has come back around

Very easy to control ; Works reliably ; Consistent performance ; Smart flying modes

Not as technologically advanced as competitors ; No obstacle avoidance technology

It may not be as technologically advanced as its biggest competitor, the Mavic Pro, but the GoPro Karma is incredibly simple to control, and doesn't require a smartphone. It battles with the wind and wins, plus it's capable of supporting existing GoPro...

A complete package in a slim backpack ; Handy Karma Grip accessory ; Simple flight controls ; Good build quality

No obstacle detection or indoor sensors ; Low transmission range ; No “follow me” flight mode ; Short battery life

A simple, all-in-one drone system for GoPro fans, but it’s still very much flying in DJI’s slipstream

Fantastic video quality ; Backpack and Karma grip included

Lacks advanced sensors ; No object avoidance or tracking ; Not as compact as DJI Mavic Pro

And so, although it isn’t quite as flexible, given the choice I’d still opt for the Mavic Pro. It currently costs £200 less at £1,099, and is absolutely stuffed with the best and latest drone tech.